The starting price is now under £40,000 and can be purchased via online or dealer network.
Honda has revised the prices of its e:NY1 electric SUV to help boost its appeal and persuade customers to go electric.
The e:NY1 went on sale in 2023, but, to help with sales, Honda will now sell the entry-level e:NY1 Elegance from £39,995 instead of £44,995.
Order books open on April 23 and customers will be allowed to purchase via dealer network or online.
The higher-spec e:NY1 Advance will have no price reduction and is priced from £42,195 and has features like a heated steering wheel, power tailgate and a panoramic glass roof.
Rebecca Adamson, head of automobile at Honda Motor Europe Limited UK said: “April marks an exciting milestone for Honda as we unveil our new approach for the e:NY1.
The e:NY1 Advance comes with a heated steering wheel, power tailgate and panoramic roof from £42,195. (Credit Honda news EU)
‘We are incredibly excited for the future of electric mobility and are proud to offer customers an exceptional blend of convenience and affordability. This new proposition reflects our commitment to innovation and sustainability, and we are confident that it will empower customers to “Go Electric” with enthusiasm.”
The e:NY1 sits between the HR-V and ZR-V in Honda’s model line-up and is the only SUV in its range to be offered as an EV.
The e:NY1 comes with an electric range of 256 miles, while the electric motor produces 204bhp and can do 0-60mph in 7.5 seconds. It has a maximum charge rate of 78kW allowing the e:NY1 to top-up from a fast charger from 10 to 80 per cent in 45 minutes.
Research conducted by Peugeot UK found that Michelin restaurants in London scored well due to free Congestion Charge and ULEZ.
The best Michelin Green Star restaurants for electric vehicle owners have been revealed in a recent survey.
Michelin’s Green Star was introduced in 2021 and highlights Michelin-starred restaurants for their eco-credentials and sustainability in their kitchens.
New research, conducted by Peugeot, has looked into how viable these restaurants are for electric vehicle owners, taking into account the number of charge points within one mile of the restaurants, the frequency of rapid chargers within five miles, and how accessible they are from the UK’s 15 major cities with the firm’s E-308 and its 257-mile range.
The Green Star looks at the most eco-friendly restaurants around. (Credit Stellantis media)
In first place was Apricity in Mayfair, London thanks to 650 charging points within one mile and 291 rapid chargers within five miles. The restaurant could also be reached from 12 out of the 15 major cities of the UK using a full range on the E-308.
In second place was St.Barts in the city of London with 239 charging points within one mile and 254 rapid chargers within five miles. The capital scores highly due its concentrated selection of electric vehicle chargers.
In third place was Silo in Hackney, Wick, and fourth was Petersham Nurseries cafe in Richmond-upon-Thames.
The E-308 has a 257-mile electric range. (Credit: Stellantis media)
The highest restaurant outside the London area was Wilsons in Bristol which came fifth, with two charging points within one mile, though it had 20 rapid chargers within five miles of the premises.
However, the restaurants in ninth and tenth place on this list – Moor Hall in Aughton, Lancashire and Angela’s in Margate, Kent – still had fewer than ten chargers overall within five miles of the restaurants.
The second electric model in the sporty Abarth range revealed in celebration of the firm’s 75th anniversary.
This Easter has seen further images of the eagerly anticipated Abarth 600e released in celebration of the performance brand’s 75th anniversary.
The Abarth 600e Scorpionissima is the firm’s most powerful car ever producing 240bhp alongside a mechanical limited slip differential.
The interior features large bucket seats and a driver-focused design. (Credit: Stellantis media)
On the outside, the 600e sits on lower suspension, giving a lower centre of gravity alongside larger alloy wheels – plus there’s a gloss black rear spoiler.
The gloss black theme continues with black mirrors, door handles, boot lid handle, side skirts and wheel arch covers – there is also an Abarth decal that runs down the side, too.
Step inside, and the 600e shows off its sporty appeal with Abarth graphics, a Scorpion emblem on the steering wheel as well as being wrapped in leather and Alcantara – the 600e Scorpinossima also gets sportier seats.
Full details of the Abarth 600e are expected to be released this summer. (Credit: Stellantis media)
There is ambient lighting and a tunnel pad cover, allowing for extra space inside the cabin.
The dashboard houses a 10-inch radio and navigation system with specific Abarth graphics and provides the driver with performance information and allows the driver to switch on or off the sound generator to give an artificial engine note or pure silence from the electric motor.
Prices, specifications and a full reveal are expected in the summer ahead of orders opening.
The Italian supercar maker is focusing on sustainability and decarbonisation.
The famous Italian supercar maker, Lamborghini, has updated its logo after more than two decades.
Lamborghini’s new logo will be part of the brand’s new strategy which claims to reflect on ‘brave, unexpected and authentic’ values helping to push towards a more sustainable and decarbonised future.
The change is part of the company’s plan to focus on becoming a more environmentally conscious company while producing vehicles that remain sought-after.
We have renewed our historic logo to adapt the brand's visual expression with the "brave," "unexpected," and "authentic" values of our "Driving Humans Beyond" mission and is part of the ongoing process of evolution, initiated with our Direzione Cor Tauri strategy.#Lamborghini
The new logo still incorporates the famous Lamborghini bull, but the colours used in the outline, the bull itself and the company name have been toned down to a more subtle black and white.
The black and white colours are used to symbolise the identity of the brand, while the yellow and gold act as the accent colour.
All future Lamborghinis will use the new logo, while the bull for the first time will be individually used for the company’s social media platforms.
The lettering is now broader and unlike the old style logo, there is no more of a 3D-effect look to it with the font called Automobili – a bespoke Lamborghini typeface.
Lamborghini is one of several carmakers that have switched to a ‘flatter’ style of logo. Fellow Volkswagen Group member Audi adopted a new version of its famous ‘rings’ logo back in 2022, while Renault redesigned its badge a year prior to that. More recently in June 2023, JLR unveiled a redesigned logo as a reflection of its wider rebrand.
A new hydrogen fuel system could be the final piece in the jigsaw for a global hydrogen market.
A smaller and more powerful hydrogen fuel cell system has been revealed for the passenger car market.
Loughborough-based fuel cell developer and manufacturer Intelligent Energy has unveiled its new IE-Drive system that can produce electrical power of an equivalent 157bhp – one of the highest of any single stack hydrogen platforms for passenger vehicles.
However, the system’s real focus is its size, which is why the platform is 30 per cent smaller than other fuel cell systems, but enables a cruising speed of 80mph in peak temperatures and 55mph going up steep inclines.
The Drive system is shaped like a traditional engine and features a fuel cell stack, electronic control unit and heat exchanger. Intelligent Energy states that its fuel system can be ‘as cheap to produce as internal combustion engines’ while its compact size means that it could easily be dropped into existing passenger car designs by OEMs.
David Woolhouse, Intelligent energy’s chief executive, said: “With 25 per cent of all passenger cars expected to have hydrogen fuel cell powertrains, this clean technology represents the future.
The passenger car and van hydrogen fuel cell market is anticipated to be worth £596 million by 2040. (Credit: Toyota media UK)
“Our Drive product has the potential to shake up the hydrogen fuel cell market and accelerate the transition towards zero-emission mobility.”
Intelligent Energy predicts that its Drive fuel cell system will cost around £100 per kW by the end of the decade – making it less expensive than EVs and comparable to internal-combustion engine vehicles.
Dr. Ashley Kells, Intelligent Energy programmer director, said: “The IE-Drive product is a ground-breaking advancement in the automotive industry and the work we have undertaken clearly illustrates the UK’s ability to be a global leader in the hydrogen fuel cell arena.”
It’s anticipated that by 2040, the hydrogen fuel cell market for passenger cars and vans will be worth £596 million.
The boldly styled SUV gets updated to keep it in line with the competition.
The Tucson has been given an updated look for 2024 as the current generation enters middle age.
On the outside, the front and back bumper have been redesigned along with new skid plates, while at the front, there are larger LED daytime running lights and a half-mirrored effect in the front grille.
New alloy wheel designs are on offer as well as five new paint colours: Cypress green pearl, Ecotronic grey pearl, Ultimate red metallic, Jupiter orange metallic and Sailing blue pearl.
The N Line version of the Tucson gets updated front and rear bumpers, a new mesh grille and body-coloured wheel arches.
Climb inside, and there’s a redesigned dashboard, centre fascia, centre armrest and steering wheel – as well as a new display for the climate control and updated designs to the upper door trims – while standard USB-C charging points are now included, too.
The seats also get new patterns and materials including cloth and leather – there will also be a new interior colour pack which allows for more customisation, though UK specifications are yet to be confirmed.
Over-the-air updates help owners make sure that their vehicle infotainment software is always up-to-date as well as their satellite navigation functions, too.
The new Tucson gets over-the-air updates and there is a new two-wheel-drive plug-in hybrid on the way. (Credit Hyundai press UK)
Furthermore, the new Tucson comes with an Intelligent front-lighting system, where the LED headlights automatically adapt to road conditions to ensure the best illumination while reducing glare for other road users.
The New Tucson comes with a variety of electrified powertrains including a mild-hybrid, a full hybrid and a plug-in hybrid. An extra addition to the Tucson range is the two-wheel-drive plug-in hybrid – which will be available later this year.
Prices and specifications are yet to be confirmed for the new Tucson, with more details expected to be revealed later this year when the car goes on sale.
With the Easter weekend fast approaching, did you know that some cars have permanent Easter eggs featured inside or outside them?
This Easter weekend is set to be one of the busiest on record for Britain’s roads.
But, with many people excited to be opening chocolate Easter eggs on Sunday, most people probably don’t know that there are some lurking in their cars – but they’re not the delicious oval chocolate versions.
There are certain car manufacturers that slide a few little extras into their cars to make them reflect a vehicle’s heritage, design or even down its name.
Here is our list of some of the most unusual and bizarre car Easter eggs you never knew existed.
Vauxhall sharks
The Shark has been appearing in Vauxhall models since the reveal of the Corsa D back in 2006. (Credit: Stellantis media)
That may sound odd, but did you know that Vauxhall has been putting sharks in its cars for nearly two decades?
It began with the introduction of the Corsa D – which was released in 2006. The Shark was located in the hinges of the glovebox and was included after Dietmar Finger, an Opel designer, was encouraged by his son for the shark to be included in the Vauxhall’s then-new Corsa.
The Shark theme has made its way onto other Vauxhall models over the years, including the Adam, Astra, Insignia and Mokka, making the animal into something of a mascot for the brand. .
Skoda’s umbrella and ice scraper
The Skoda umbrella was first used in the Superb and has since been featured in the Kodiaq and Scala models. (Credit: Skoda press)
Skoda’s infamous ‘Simply Clever’ slogan is relevant to some secret features that hide beneath nearly all the brand’s models.
Firstly, the Superb in the early 00s featured integrated umbrellas stowed neatly away into the doors for the passengers – an idea that Rolls-Royce used for their flagship Phantom luxury limousine, too.
Later on, the feature made its way onto other Skoda models such as the Kodiaq and Scala.
In nearly all Skoda models is the ice scraper located inside the fuel filler flap. The scraper is also transparent and doubles up as a magnifying glass to help owners read tire pressure labels that are also found inside the fuel flap.
Skoda’s more recent models like the Kamiq also have the ice scraper to benefit as a tyre tread depth gauge.
Mazda triangles
When you step inside a Mazda RX-8, you are greeted by a theme of triangles. (Credit: Mazda UK press)
The Mazda RX-8 went on sale in 2003 with a rotary wankel engine. The engine involved a triangular piston rather than conventional longitudinal ones to make for better performance, smoother acceleration and more power – but, did you know that a lot of the RX-8’s interior was inspired by that triangular piston?
If you take a look inside the interior of the RX-8, there are subtle clues to give the game away about what lives underneath the bonnet. The gear shift knob is triangular, as are the cut outs in the front seat backs and even on the outside, where the triangular shaped design on the bonnet below the windscreen all harks back to its powertrain.
Jaguar Cub
The baby Cub represents the E-Pace and the Jaguar is the larger F-Pace SUV. (Credit: Jaguar press)
The Jaguar E-Pace is a popular small crossover here in the UK, but did you know that there was a baby Cub lying beneath its windscreen?
If you take a closer look at the bottom of the front windscreen you will notice a walking Jaguar followed by its Cub alongside a trail to look like the outline of the windscreen.
The Jaguar and Cub can also be found in the puddle lights on the ground when entering the car.
The Cub and Jaguar are used to represent the different sizes of SUV model. The Cub is the E-Pace and the larger cat is the F-Pace SUV.
Jeep Renegade
The Jeep Renegade is full of Easter eggs. Even the speaker surrounds have original Willy’s Jeep front grilles on them. (Credit: Stellantis media)
Owners of the Jeep Renegade may not realise they are driving around in a moving Easter egg. The compact crossover is littered with cool and quirky Easter eggs that are reminiscent of Jeeps from the past.
Firstly, the X’s and grilles. The headlamps and taillights both incorporate the old-school Jeep grille.
Not only that, you’ll find the original Jeep grilles on the side of the rear-view mirror casing, on the boot lid slam panel and around the speakers.
The side steps say ‘No Step!’ – just to make sure that people don’t walk on them.
If you open the fuel flap on a Renegade, to the bottom right-hand side will be a little spider with a speech bubble saying ‘Ciao baby!’ – as well as a little Willy’s Jeep climbing up the front of the bottom left-hand of the front windscreen.
Look at the rev counter and you’ll find a paintball splotch redline – which was the Renegade’s design team’s favourite weekend activity.
If you buy rubber floor mats, you’ll find an original Jeep stamped on them to remember that Jeeps like going off-road and getting muddy.
The South Korean hatchback has been given a new lease of life to keep it in line with its German competitors.
The Hyundai i30 has received an updated design with new connectivity and safety features.
The Ford Focus rival has always been a sensible choice among buyers and this updated model should help bring it in line with the most modern offerings.
On the exterior, the radiator grille, fog lamp housing and rear bumper insert have been redesigned, while all versions now come as standard with LED headlights and taillights – as well as new 16-inch wheel designs.
There are seven new exterior colours including Jupiter orange metallic, Meta blue pearl, Ultimate red metallic, Abyss black pearl, Ecotronic grey pearl, Cypress green pearl and Sailing blue pearl.
Step inside, and you’ll find that the central tunnel has been given a gloss black finish and there is now the option of either cloth, cloth and leather, full leather and textile suede and leather seat upholstery.
The sporty i30 N Line has been given new front grille meshes, horizontal accents in red for the textile and suede interior and metal accents for the front bumper inserts. There are now dark metal inserts for the side skirts, too.
New connectivity features include a 4.2-inch colour LCD display, three USB-C charging ports for the front and rear, over-the-air map updates and an optional 10.25-inch digital screen.
The new i30 will be available with a hatchback, estate or a saloon called the ‘Fastback’.
Source: Hyundai news media
As standard, the new i30 comes with Hyundai’s smart sense safety feature which includes collision avoidance, which helps detect and avoid potential accidents ahead. Lane-following assist is also included – helping to keep the car in its current lane on the motorway – while intelligent speed limit assist alerts the driver when exceeding the speed limit.
To improve its efficiency, the new i30 can be selected with a 48V mild-hybrid system to help with its emissions and economy.
Prices and specifications are yet to be confirmed for the UK market, but production is due to start in April 2024 – with the new i30 going on sale later this year.
Homologated hot hatch will be available in limited numbers for this year.
Toyota has revealed prices and specifications for its updated hot hatchback – the GR Yaris.
The GR Yaris has been the king of the hot hatch market since it first went on sale in 2020, and for 2024 Toyota has gone and improved it even further.
There will be four versions available. The standard GR Yaris with a six-speed manual gearbox will cost from £44,250 and jump to £45,750 with the eight-speed automatic gearbox.
Two special editions will be available from launch, too. The GR Yaris Ogier edition and the Rovanpera edition – both will have a six-speed manual gearbox and have price tags of £60,000.
The GR Yaris Ogier and Rovanpera special editions will both come with price tags of £60,000 and have unique styling and driving modes.
Source: Toyota UK media
The GR Yaris Ogier edition comes with Stealth grey matt paint, blue brake callipers, black Gazoo Racing side decals, a larger rear spoiler and a French flag emblem on the top half of the front bumper – there are two new driving modes called ‘Morizo’ and ‘Seb’.
Morizo mode was built in conjunction with Toyota’s ex-president, Akio Toyoda, which helps with lap times through acceleration, braking and steering.
‘Seb’ mode, named after Seb Ogier rally driver – tunes the front and rear differentials as well as the four-wheel-drive system.
The Rovanpera edition comes with unique Gazoo Racing livery and an adjustable rear spoiler.
There is ‘Donut’ mode, allowing the car to turn on a short radius creating the perfect donut.
Kalle’ mode helps with oversteer through the front and rear differentials, enabling the car to do a ‘Scandinavian flick’ – allowing the car to enter a corner with the back end swung out with the front of the car perfectly lined up to pull it forward out of a corner.
For the first year of sales, the GR will be available in limited numbers with first refusal going to existing GR Yaris customers and those who joined the waiting list before the old car’s production stopped in May 2022.
The new GR Yaris gets a power upgrade from the old car’s 256bhp to 276bhp – with torque figures up from 370Nm to 390Nm.
There is a new updated front bumper with bigger air intakes and a redesigned rear bumper and rear taillights.
An updated interior with lower-positioned seats and a repositioned rear-view mirror are all criticisms of the older car that have been addressed with the new car.
The chassis has been strengthened and there is a new interior layout – with it angled more towards the driver.
Customers will be entered into a ballot to try and secure an allocation for a new GR Yaris this year – with details of the process being shared to them in May 2024.
The iconic design still remains with more on-board tech and improved efficiency.
Mercedes has revealed its updated G-Class for 2024 with mild-hybrid technology and improved exterior and interior design while an electric version is on the way.
The current version of the G-Class has been on sale since 2018 and this new model keeps its infamous design still fresh.
On the outside, there is a new radiator grille with four horizontal louvres, and redesigned front and back bumpers, while the reversing camera has been moved to the centre of the bumper with its own washer nozzle. There’s a choice of new paint colours and wheel designs, too.
The new G-Class has a ground clearance of up to 241mm, a fording depth of 70cm and can drive up slopes with angles of 35 degrees, ensuring it’s still as capable off-road as ever.
Inside, the new G-Class uses for the first time Mercedes’ MBUX infotainment system incorporating a 12.3-inch display with touchscreen – a first time for the G-Class.
The new G-Class has a ground clearance of up to 241mm and a fording depth of 70cm.
Source: Mercedes-Benz media
Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone mirroring systems are also included while passengers get USB-C ports, too.
There is also ambient lighting for the air vents, wireless smartphone charging and temperature-controlled cup holders.
In terms of engines, the line-up is now fully-electrified with an electric version due soon.
The G500 model will come with a 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder petrol with twin turbochargers and a 48V mild-hybrid system which will produce 442bhp and 560Nm of torque. The G450d, meanwhile, will have a six-cylinder diesel producing 362bhp and 750Nm of torque.
At the top of the range sits the G63, which gets an AMG-built 4.0-litre V8 biturbo engine. It will produce 576bhp and provide torque figures of 850Nm with the added benefit of a 48-volt mild-hybrid on-board system.
Mercedes says that the AMG G63 will be able to go from 0-60mph in just 4.2 seconds and have a top speed of 136mph while an optional performance pack will shave off the 0-60mph time down to 4.1 seconds and increase its top speed to 149mph.
Prices are yet to be revealed for the updated G-Class for the UK market – the new model is set to go on sale later this year.
